Valeo is an automotive supplier and partner to automakers worldwide. As a technology company, we design innovative solutions for smart mobility, with a particular focus on intuitive driving and reducing CO₂ emissions. The Group also provides and distributes spare parts for automakers and independent aftermarket operators.

1923 – 1961: The Beginning

In 1923, Eugène Buisson, the French representative for Ferodo brake linings, opened workshops in Saint-Ouen to manufacture, under license, his own friction materials. This was the birth of Société Anonyme Française de Ferodo (SAFF).

In 1932, the company expanded its activities to include the production of clutches, and SAFF was listed on the Paris stock exchange. On the eve of World War II, the company held almost all the patents relating to clutches.

During the war, at the Battle of Falaise in 1944, its Normandy factories were partially destroyed, and during the Liberation of Paris, the Saint-Ouen workshops (brake linings and clutches) were badly damaged. In the 1950s, the company modernized and expanded outside the Paris region, building new factories, notably in Normandy (friction materials) and Amiens (clutches).

In 1953, the company celebrated its 30th anniversary. Clutches, with their constantly evolving technologies, became its main business activity.

1962 – 1978: Expansion Throughout Europe

In 1962 the company took over SOFICA (Société de Fabrication Industrielle de Chauffage et d’Aération), specializing in heating and air conditioning with a factory in Nogent-le-Rotrou (France), thereby acquiring a new line of business: thermal systems for automobiles.

The company was restructured to reflect its activitieshistoire_2, which continued to diversify, notably with the addition of lighting and wiping systems. During the 1960s the company expanded in Europe, working closely with its mainly French and Italian customers. New sites were established in Spain and Italy.

In 1970, the company built a research center (including a wind tunnel) dedicated to thermal systems, in La Verrière (Paris region).

It continued to expand with a number of acquisitions in Europe, as well as the takeover of SEV Marchal (1970-1971), then of Paris-Rhône and Cibié (1977-1978). These acquisitions enabled the company to extend its long-term strategy to encompass electrical components (spark plugs, alternators and starters, plus ignition, lighting and wiping systems).

In 1974, the Group set up a thermal systems activity in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

1980: A New Name, A United Brand – Valeo Is Born

In order to unite its brands and people, the company united under the name Valeo (“I am well” in Latin), the name of its Italian subsidiary, at its Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on May 28, 1980.

1980 – 1990: International Growth

In 1980, Valeo opened its first site in the United States, producing heating systems, followed in 1982 by a site in Mexico.

In 1984, the Group took over Ducellier, a company producing alternators, starters, headlamps and ignition systems, and established its first site in Tunisia, to produce clutches.

In 1985, the first National Directorates were set up to act as the Group’s ambassadors in Spain, Italy, Germany, Brazil and Japan.

In 1987, Valeo completely refocused on its core activity and began disposing of non-automotive and non-strategic businesses. The Group acquired Neiman, launching its security systems activity.

In 1988, Valeo opened its first sites in South Korea and Turkey.

1990 – 2000: The Highest Standards At Every Level

During the 1990s, operational excellence became a top priority and Valeo introduced its “5 Axes” system to attain customer satisfaction through total quality.

Research and Development operations expanded, and in 1992 an R&D center dedicated to electronics was opened in Créteil (Paris region), while another opened in Bobigny (Paris region) focusing on lighting.

International development continued. Valeo moved into China (1994), Poland, the Czech Republic (1995) and India (1997).

In 1998, the Group acquired the electrical systems business of ITT Industries, as well as the automotive activities of Labinal. These acquisitions to enabled Valeo to become a global player in electrical and electronic systems.

2000 – 2009: Technological Innovation

At the start of the 2000s, Valeo launched its programs to present innovations to its customers. The Group became a world leader in parking assistance systems using ultrasonic sensors.

In 2004, the Group opened its first R&D center in China (Wuhan) dedicated to lighting. Valeo was the first to launch Stop-Start technology on the market.

In 2005, Valeo acquired the engine electronics division of Johnson Controls, allowing the Group to strengthen its powertrain efficiency operations for cleaner, more efficient and more economical vehicles.

Since 2009: Responsible Growth

The Group’s strategy is based on two main areas of growth: the reduction of CO₂ emissions and development in high-growth countries and Asia.

Valeo is recognized for its innovative technologies, particularly those that reduce CO₂ emissions, and is striving to make them accessible to as many people as possible.
In 2011 Valeo acquired the Japanese automotive supplier Niles, becoming the world leader on the interior controls market.

2013: Valeo Turns 90!

The Group’s outlook for growth is excellent, and its key objective has not changed since 1923: to work closely with automakers and motorists in order to make vehicles cleaner, safer and more efficient.

Since 2014: A New Identity As A Tech Company

“My dream is to transform Valeo into a very big start-up. And we have to bring our people on board in this transformation.” Jacques Aschenbroich

The strategy implemented since 2009, has paid off. Valeo’s sales growth has outpaced that of global automotive production, and order intake has attained record levels, with more than one-third involving innovation. In light with this accomplishment, in 2015 Valeo was named in the Thomson Reuters list of “Top Global Innovator 2015” .

Its innovation strategy is underpinned by research and technology partnerships such as Safran, acquisitions such as peiker and Spheros, investments in technology start-ups, investments in venture capital funds as well as joint ventures.

Valeo is an automotive supplier and partner to automakers worldwide. As a technology company, we design innovative solutions for smart mobility, with a particular focus on intuitive driving and reducing CO₂ emissions.